Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Reid. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Kevin David Reid is a 5th generation native of Washington, DC. He started in 2001 and has been blessed to credit his drive and ambition to the numerous mentors he worked and learned with from the dc craft bartending guild. Based on the resources and relationships forged at our monthly meeting, I competed in my first competitions. All of the members of that guild were invaluable in my development as a beverage professional. COVID and Pivot are the 2 words that describe life in 2020, with everyone taking self-inventory and finding out if they are going the right way in their professional lives. I received a hospitality certificate from Florida Atlantic University. I doubled down, investing more time and resources into developing myself in a new state while adjusting to the “new way of life.” I was noticed by Eric McCree, owner of file gumbo bar in Tribeca, and was asked if I wanted to create a beverage program for his concept. I graciously accepted and feel proud of the work we have done there. I started working in Charleston almost a year after leaving dc at a art deco hotel called vendue it was an amazing experience and was a huge stepping stone on improving my wine knowledge and deciphering the culture of the true south i then saw an opening at the spectator hotel the USA Today number 3 hotel bar in the company and with my help we advanced to number 2 I worked with a staple of Charleston bar scene who helped me refine decisions I made behind the bar and allowed me the chance to be approached to be a part of a new concept opening in Charleston and being the only bar team that is ran by black men bartenders I just recently was accepted into culinary school to further my understanding and techniques with the raw products of food before it gets to the glass outside of the commitment I put into trying to be the best version of myself i have the most supportive partner in my wife Ivy Reid with her balancing a full time job and helping raise our two daughters Rhyan (3) and Jordan (9months).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but every obstacle has allowed me to grow in a new way. Sacrificing and deciding what your motivators are changed as you have changes in life outside of marriage, kids, homeownership, and moving away; covid helped some of us discover more about ourselves and what we can accomplish. I was in the finals of the Woodford Manhattan competition after winning my region before I left. The self-starting drive needed to perform is hard to maintain, but the results make you willing to try again whether you succeed or not.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I love what I do. I understand the value of customer service and make that my first objective when interacting with a guest. Don’t make them feel like a number. Give a couple of moments of extra attention to find out what they do and don’t like, and if they are open, allow your knowledge of their pallet history to allow you to have them experience something new. I love using fresh ingredients and can taste the difference a couple of extra hours of prep work can make to create quickly consistent top-tier drinks that can be served even at a higher volume.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The energy to stay driven and never settle gets my kids credit. You don’t understand digging deep until you have your first child. I hate to miss any people who have helped me grow, but here are a few standouts. Kenyatta Parker helped me start dreaming bigger. Chef BJ Dennis helped me understand being a minority in the South and how to value the history of those who came before me. Kapri Robinson, Dee Reid, Michael Holiday, and those I competed against in chocolate city best helped me stay humble and appreciate seeing those who look like me get an opportunity to shine. Tony Burke, Duane Sylvester, JP Orlandi, Ted Fasion, and Lush Life Productions showed how the brands could help you support your passions and be there when you need that extra push—the guest for always keeping a day of work fresh and never stale.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thedrinkbuilder.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/drinkbuilder?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
Ruta Smith (Charleston SC)
